Response of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) varieties to sowing dates and plant density in cold desert region

Greenhouse field experiments were conducted during 2003–04 cropping seasons to study the effect of four sowing dates (15^th April, 15^th May, 15^th June and 15^th July) and two plant densities (30×10 cm and 45×10 cm) on two varieties of French bean (Contender and Pusa Parvati). The results revealed that the 15^th April to 15^th June was the best sowing period for both the varieties. The variety Contender was found to be superior with production of 9.8 per cent higher green pod yield over Pusa Parvati. Plant density did not affect the green pod yield. However, lower plant density at 45×10cm spacing showed significant increase in pods/plant compared to 30×10cm spacing.